Neighborhood Series: Macalester-Groveland Saint Paul

Often referred to as “Mac Groveland,” this neighborhood extends east from the Mississippi River to Summit Hill, and contains a mix of single family homes, apartments, and vibrant commercial corridors. Macalester-Groveland has just about everything going for it. Ideally situated, walkable and quiet with modest to grand homes that reflect a wide variety of architectural styles. Summit Avenue itself is home to the longest stretch of Victorian-era homes in the entire United States! Say what?! The vibe is unhurried, unpretentious, and full of that St. Paul spirit that we love.

The college aura in this area is alive and well. VIBE Agent Dan states “I like that the proximity to colleges keeps the vibe young and active.” But that’s not all, Mac Groveland has an array of eclectic offerings. It boasts many popular restaurants and boutiques, and is the site of Grand Old Day! Check out some well-known attributes of this area as well as some of our favorite curated spots.

Macalester College

The college town vibe is unmistakable in this area due to the location of Macalester College, a small, prestigious liberal arts school with a diverse, international student body. It's progressive spirit is the heart of the neighborhood. If you get a chance to stroll the grounds, you won’t be disappointed.  
macalester.edu

 
Photo Courtesy of macalester.edu/academics/

Grand Old Day Parade

Grand Old Day Parade is held each year to entertain both children and adults alike and usually marks the beginning of summer for us Minnesotans. It’s the largest one-day festival in the Midwest, drawing over 250,000 people each year from the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area, regionally and from neighboring states (that is, in years when pandemics are not a thing.) Suggested by Meghan Howard, VIBE Agent 

Photo Courtesy of Leila Navidi of Star Tribune

Due Focacceria

A neighborhood eatery at heart, Due Focacceria features artisan sandwiches, imported meats and cheese, and craft cocktails. Known to be a quick-casual craft cafe, yet it’s obvious they appreciate the foundational pillars of enjoying life around the table. And yes, they can be trusted to provide above-average snacks.
*Take-and-bake available for the Holidays
duefocacceria.com

“One of my favorite new spots in Mac-Groveland is Due Focacceria. “Due” means “two” in Italian, and accordingly, Due Focacceria is the little sister locale to Minneapolis’s Italian Eatery, featured in last month’s Nokomis neighborhood profile. It’s my favorite place to grab an aperitivo, usually a meat and cheese plate and basket of focaccia with a prosecco or Italian cocktail, and unwind.” - Cara Quinn, VIBE Agent

Photo Courtesy of @due_focacceria

Colossal Cafe

Also featured on our Como Park Neighborhood Series

Colossal Cafe, known for their famous "yeasted flappers" as well as breakfast and lunch favorites, this spot is a simple eatery offering a range of American fare such as hot breakfasts, sandwiches & pastries. They have recently announced that their Minneapolis location recently closed, however the Saint Paul locations (Como Park and Grand Avenue) will remain open. *Take-and-bake available for the Holidays
colossalcafe.com

“One of my favorites is Colossal Cafe on Grand Ave in Saint Paul. All of their food is incredible (I recommend anything breakfast, especially their pancakes, or biscuits!), but it's also just a nostalgic place for myself and my partner. When we moved to Saint Paul we lived 3 blocks West and would bring any out-of-town visitors to our favorite breakfast place. Needless to say we have shared many laughs and delicious breakfasts there with family and friends.”  - Mariah Hamm, VIBE Agent

Photo Courtesy of @colossalcafe

Sencha Tea Bar

Let’s just say that Sencha Tea Bar can be called the premier frontier of loose leaf tea. A stylish ambiance with tasteful packaging, your order will likely end up on Instagram. And if it doesn’t, you’re doing it wrong. From floral hints to the fruity tones, they’ll likely have something that you can savor. Be sure not to skip out on their variety of bubble tea! 
senchateabar.com

Photo Courtesy of @senchateabar

Luci Ancora

Offering quality, Italian influenced cuisine inspired by fresh, local ingredients from small independent producers. Luci Ancora serves lunch and dinner in a hospitable setting.
luciancora.com

“When my husband and I are looking for an authentic Italian meal, Luci Ancora is one of our go-to restaurants. The vibe is more hospitable than hip, with white linen tablecloths and carpeted floors, but the quality and authenticity of the food is unparalleled. On a recent chilly evening before the restaurant closure, we grabbed a table by their massive fireplace and enjoyed a plate of taglierini - handmade with ancient heritage grains - with a wild boar ragù, with a bottle of Gaja Ca Marcanda Promis. We just as well might have been in Tuscany.” - Cara Quinn, VIBE Agent

Photo Courtesy of @lucirestaurants 

Encore Consignment

Located on the corner of St. Clair and Hamline in Saint Paul, this shop has stylish women's clothing ranging from vintage to couture. If you love a good hunt for threads, this spot is for you!
encoreboutiquestpaul.com

“My all-time favorite small business is Encore Boutique. You can't beat the prices, and Molly, the owner is great - she even has funny little signs throughout the shop that are guaranteed to make you laugh out loud. It's always a fun shopping experience when I go to Encore.” - Paige Kahle, VIBE Agent

Photo Courtesy of @encoreboutiquestpaul

Everest on Grand

Enjoy authentic Napelese, Tibetan, and North Indian cuisine at Everest. You’ll feel like you just went far across the pond after a dish here. We can easily appreciate their diverse selection, not to mention an array of vegetarian and vegan options. Offered in a low-key and cultural setting on Grand Avenue. 
everestongrand.com

Photo Courtesy of Everest On Grand